Perhaps it’s because I haven’t read any of the books yet. I’ve seen all eight Harry Potters and all four Twilights, and none of the 12 films could compare with the experience I had with The Hunger Games. I suppose the only reason I’m comparing them are because they’re all based on bestselling young adult read more

I don’t want to go into a whole spiel about keeping fantasy worlds realistic because I’m no expert myself. I used to wonder why fantasy worlds need to be realistic in the first place. After all, it is fantasy. Why can’t writers do whatever they want? Well, perhaps realistic is not the right word – read more

Immortals, the bloody, ultra-violent fantasy action film loosely based on Greek mythology, is widely mistaken as a Zack Snyder film (ie, the guy behind the epic 300). I overheard no less than two couples make the erroneous connection when exiting the movie theatre. It is easy to see why, given the similarities in content, styles, read more

It’s been a while since I posted and I’m still kinda tired (with you know, stuff), but it’s time to recap my Oscars adventures for 2014. Like last year, I served as a consultant to one of the subtitling teams for the TV stations in Taiwan, which is a long day but always tons of read more

Daily Archives: July 5, 2009

I took some time out from my busy packing schedule to watch the 2009 Wimbledon Men’s Final this afternoon between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick.

After what felt like forever, and with an increasingly sweaty (and balding) Pete Sampras watching on in a thick suit, Federer finally pulled it out, 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14 (yes, you read correctly, 16-14!) in one of the best Wimbledon matches I’ve watched from start to finish (I didn’t get all of last year’s epic). With the stunning victory, Federer at last broke the record of 14 Grand Slams he held with Pete Sampras. Who would have thought, after seeing Federer break down in tears after losing to Nadal in the Australian Open at the start of the year, that he’d finally win the French, reclaim his Wimbledon title and no. 1 ranking and break the all-time Grand Slam record in the next 2 Grand Slams?

Of course, Rafael Nadal losing in the early rounds at the French and missing Wimbledon due to a nagging knee injury might have had something to do with that, but I don’t think it takes anything away from what Federer has accomplished this year (and in his career). None of that ‘asterisk next to victory’ crap. You play who’s available. One of the most important criteria in assessing the greatest-of-all-time is consistency and longevity (note: Federer has played in 21 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals). Of course, Nadal (if he can stay healthy) may very well be the greatest ever by the time he is done, but for now, Federer is it. And strangely, he didn’t cry this time.

I felt so sorry for Andy Roddick, who played as well as I have ever seen him against Federer, or anyone for that matter. In fact, he won more games overall than Federer (39-38). He also broke Federer twice and only got broken once, on the final, heartbreaking match point. And that second set, when Andy was up a set and 6-2 in the tie-break, for him to squander those 4 set points and lose 8-6 must have been demoralising. But it just shows what a great champion Roger is in winning that set and what a fighter Roddick is for taking it to a fifth. Hard to believe that this is the third time he has lost to Federer in the Wimbledon Final (the other 2 times being 2004 and 2005) and that he may have 5 Grand Slams (he also lost the 2006 US Open Final to him) instead of his solitary one (2003 US Open) if Roger Federer didn’t exist.

Keeping up with my tradition of a outlining the highlights following a big trip (like my European Adventure Round-up), here is a big fat round-up of my spectacular adventure in Greece!

Overview

As an aspiring writer who is kicking things off with a fantasy novel, I am a sucker for the ancient world. For those who have not read my European Adventure Round-Up, my favourite attraction from that trip was Palatine Hill in Rome (a large area of ancient ruins). Greece is full of places like that, and many of them more spectacular and better preserved, plus there are the amazing, absolutely breathtaking views. I had never been much of a scenery kind of guy, but the things I saw on this trip just blew me away! I had already seen too many churchs and cathedrals (to the point where they kind of all melt into one), so Greece was an exciting new experience for me.

We had roughly 8 days in total, but you need to keep in mind that my wife and I were lugging my 60 year-old parents with us (though they are in supreme shape and after often mistaken for being in their late 40s). Hence there was a lot of starting and stopping, some decent rests in between. We probably saw less things but it was a lot more relaxing than it would have been had it just been the two of us. If I had more time and money, 2 weeks would have been perfect, though you could easily spend a month island hopping if you wanted to.

Places visited

2 days in Athens;

1 day cruise to the Saronic islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina;

1 day trip by taxi to the Peloponnese (Corinth, Mycenae and Nafplio)

1 day trip by taxi to Delphi;

1/2 a day on the Cycladic island of Milos; and

1 day on the Cycladic island of Santorini.

Ancient Corinth

Best experience(s)

It’s too hard to pick a single experience as the best in Greece, so I’ll pick 2.

The first of course is the marvellous island(s) of Santorini, definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world. There’s just something magical about the place, made more mystical due to the suggestion that it may be the lost island of Atlantis. Every picture you take in Santorini could be slapped onto a postcard. Whether you’re into ancient archaeological sites (Ancient Thera or Akrotiri – when it opens again), beautiful scenery (Fira, Oia), volcanoes (Nea Kameni) or just like to hang out on the beach (Kamari, Perissa or the Red Beach), Santorini caters. No wonder it is a favourite for celebrities and weddings. It’s a place I’d very much like to visit again if I get the chance.

People waiting to catch the sunset in Oia (Santorini)

The second is the archaeological site of Delphi, one of the surprises of the trip. Delphi is jaw-dropping because of where it is situated, the sheer size of the site, the granduer of the structures and the amazing level of preservation. There are temples, theatres, halls, treasuries, stadiums – you name it. If you only see one archaeological site in Greece, Delphi is the place to go (though it’s hard to skip the Acropolis in Athens).

Worst experience

Easy – our hellish ferry ride from Athens to Santorini that took 23 hours instead of the scheduled 5. Double-booked seats, poor safety, mass vomiting, disorganisation to absolute chaos, the ride just about had it all. I think it’s something I’ll look back upon as a fascinating experience, but it’s certainly not something I want to go through again!

Most beautiful/spectacular

Too hard to pick. In terms of pure natural beauty, you can’t go past Santorini. Views from both Fira and Oia are unmatched. he volcanic island of Nea Kameni is also worth visiting. On the other hand, the island of Hydra (though we only spent 90 minutes there) was also very pretty. But if you prefer views over Athens, Lycabettus Hill and the top of the Acropolis are my picks.

In terms of the biggest spectacle, there’s the archaeological sites of Delphi, the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. I just can’t make up my mind.

You can see the Acropolis atop Lycabettus Jill

Most informative

I only went to 2 museums, the massive National Archaeological Museum in Athens (near Victoria metro station) and the small but impressive Museum of Prehistoric Thira on Santorini. Nevertheless, both were excellent and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to learn a bit about the fascinating history of Greece.

Note at the time of visiting, the highly anticipated Acropolis Museum in Athens had not yet opened, but it has now, and I hear that is a must-visit too.

Most underrated

I hadn’t heard of Palamidi Castle in Nafplio before, but if you are visiting the Peloponnese I’d recommend checking it out. It is exceptionally well-preserved and you can explore the various bastions, climbing up to the top if you want to. The views are also impressive. The place gave me plenty of ideas for the settings in my fantasy novel.

Palamidi Castle was superb

Most overrated

I don’t want to call any place ‘overrated’ in Greece because they were all good in my opinion, but if I had to pick one it would probably be the Mycenaen Acropolis. Apart from the Lion Gate at the entrance and a few grave circles here and there, there wasn’t all that much to see in terms of archaeological structures. That said, the view from the top was still mighty impressive. However, if you visit somewhere like Delphi then you can probably give Mycenae a miss.

Top 5 must-see attractions

It’s extremely difficult to pick 5 out of so many attractions in Greece. Of the top of my head here are mine, in descending order.

5. Ancient Agora (Athens) – I wish I had spent more time here because it was so big and there was a museum there too, but even just an hour or so in Ancient Agora was enough to place it in my top 5. The Temple of Hephaestus is perhaps the most complete and well-preserved structure I’ve ever seen at around 2,500 years old, but it’s not the only thing to see there. If you’re in the area make sure you go and take a look.

4. Palamidi Castle (Nafplio) – maybe I am overrating it here, but the surprise element probably has something to do with Palamidi Castle being ranked 4th. The scale and scope and views are all top-notch and I love how you can explore the grounds – each bastion is a mini-adventure.

3. Nea Kameni (Santorini) – you can’t really call the whole of Santorini an ‘attraction’, but it’ll be a crime not to include something from Santorini in the top 5 – so I’ve chosen Nea Kameni, the magnificent volcano that left me awestruck at its devastating power. If you’re making the 90 minute trek to the top of the volcano and back, make sure you wear a hat or bring an umbrella and bring plenty of fluids, and remember to avoid wearing open-toed shoes.

Nea Kameni volcano at Santorini

2. The Acropolis (Athens) – it was a tough choice to put the Acropolis at number 2. Typically, the number one attraction can get hyped up too much, but no amount of hype can make the Acropolis disappointing. It needs to be seen, simple as that. Don’t forget to check out the Theatre of Dionysos and Odeum of Herodes while you’re there. And now, with the Acropolis Museum, it’s a must-must-visit.

1. Archaeological Site of Delphi – there’s an element of surprise with this one as well, but the archaeological site of Delphi is a true wonder of the Ancient Greek world that every visitor to Greece should experience. When you’re there, try and imagine what it was like more than 2,600 years ago, and no matter how unbearable hot it gets, try and make it to the very top. The view of the entire archaeological site is something I will always remember.

Delphi is No. 1

There were many other attractions that I left off the list that are worth visiting. Just missing the cut include Lycabettus Hill, the Temple of Olympic Zeus, the island of Hydra and the National Archaeological Museum. The towns of Fira and Oia (especially for the sunset) on Santorini aren’t too shabby either.

Places I wish I saw (or want to see next time)

My biggest disappointments on the trip were missing the theatre at Epidavros (Epidaurus) and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia at Delphi. I would have also liked to have visited more places on the Peloponnese, such as Olympia and Sparta. On the mainland I wish I had time to visit Meteora, which I hear is awesome, but you’d need to take a 2-day trip from Athens. In terms of islands of course I wanted to see Mykonos and also Crete. If I visit Athens again I’d also like to see the new Acropolis Museum and the Benzaki Museum near Syntagma Square. Maybe next time.

Additional information

For more details see the following individual posts or my Travel Diary: